Detachable heating curling apparatus

ABSTRACT

A detachable heating curling apparatus is provided. The detachable heating curling apparatus includes a detachable cylindrical curling unit with a first closed end and a second end, the second end including a second coupling section and a heating unit. The heating unit includes a first and second end, the first end including a first coupling section for coupling with the second end of the detachable cylindrical curling unit, the second end for receiving an electrical source. The respective first and second coupling sections providing for an uncoupling of the first end of the heating unit and the second end of the detachable cylindrical curling unit.

BACKGROUND

1) Field of the Invention

This invention involves an apparatus for heating, drying and curlinghuman hair. More particularly, the invention involves a heating, dryingand cooling apparatus that includes a heating unit and detachablecylindrical curling units.

2) Discussion of the Related Art

Achieving a stylized look from wet hair to finish involves brushing andor combing, drying, curling, and directing the hair in ways that do notnaturally occur. One or more of these methods or functions are used toenhance the hair, and/or to solve styling problems. The hairstylingtools currently available perform only one or two of the hairstylingfunctions. No single tool exists which can perform all of thosefunctions as well or better than each of the limited-function tools.This may be because those who design and use hairstyling tools think interms of separate functions and long-established and static toolcategories.

A wide variety of tools are currently used for styling hair. Mostprofessional hairstylists use a blow dryer together with a separateround brush or brushes. Some stylists use multiple brushes, leaving themto dangle in the hair while it is cooling. This creates a problem, asthe brushes are heavy and cause the hair near the root to cool layingflat on the head, resulting in a flat, lifeless hairstyle without volumeor lift.

Ideally, curls are set in small sections directly over the roots, or,“on base” in order to achieve maximum volume and movement. This can beachieved with rollers which are placed on the head in a fixed position.But, in order to use the rollers the hair must also be dried. Thistwo-step process is time consuming, and can be costly. Additionally,using the current tools that are available, the home-stylist oftendoesn't have the skills or time to get a good result using brushes orrollers, especially on the crown and back of the head, where the hairgrowth patterns tend to leave open or flat spots.

Another tool for drying and brushing hair is the brush dryer. The brushdryer consists of a brush with a built-in dryer. This design enables auser to dry and style hair simultaneously, using one hand only. Theproblem with a brush dryer is that it first dries the shaft, and isremoved from the hair before the roots have dried and cooled completely.Therefore, curl can only be obtained on the shaft of the hair, withoutcreating volume or movement at the point where the hair leaves thescalp. It also cannot solve styling problems caused by irregular growthpatterns, which also arise where the hair leaves the scalp. Brush dryerscome in all kinds of sizes and different heat settings. The brush caninclude different types of bristles. Generally speaking, the bristlesshould be gentle, yet have a good grasp on the hair. The dryer shouldhave a handle that fits comfortably in the hand and should provide goodtraction so the hot brush will not slip off while in use.

Yet another device that is used to curl hair, rather than brush or dry,is the curling iron. The curling iron can only be used after the hairhas been dried, but can cause split ends because it applies intense heatto the hair for several seconds or longer, and this causes long term,irreparable damage, including possible burning of the hair until itbreaks off.

The lack of a single and superior all-function tool makes hairstylingmore difficult, time consuming and expensive for everyone, including thehome-stylist. For the salon professional this problem adds to theever-present clutter of tools and electric cords that make the workplaceless attractive, and increases the danger of tripping over multiplecords. It also makes the workflow less efficient. For a hairstylist inthe entertainment industry, and for other freelance and mobilehairstylists, it increases the burden of packing and moving a heavy kitcontaining multiple tools, electrical cords and styling products.Therefore, a need exists to solve these particular problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of an embodiment of a detachable heatingcurling apparatus.

FIG. 2 illustrate a side perspective view of an embodiment of adetachable cylindrical curling unit.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the detachable heating curlingapparatus.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed cross-section of an embodiment of thedetachable heating curling apparatus.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed cross-section of another embodiment of thedetachable heating curling apparatus.

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed cross-section of the embodiment of thedetachable heating curling apparatus.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a detachableheating curling apparatus.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of the detachablecylindrical curling apparatus.

FIG. 9 illustrates a detailed cross-section of an embodiment of thedetachable cylindrical curling apparatus.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the detachablecylindrical curling apparatus.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of the detachablecylindrical curling apparatus.

FIG. 12 illustrates a detailed side-view of an embodiment of thedetachable cylindrical curling apparatus.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of the detachablecylindrical curling apparatus.

FIG. 14 illustrates a view of an embodiment of the detachablecylindrical curling apparatus.

FIG. 15 illustrates a view of an embodiment of the detachablecylindrical curling apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is now described with reference to figures whereinlike reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similarelements. While specific configurations and arrangements are discussed,it should be understand that this is done for illustrative purposesonly. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that otherconfigurations and arrangements can be used without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a detachable heating curling apparatus 100. Thedetachable heating curling apparatus 100 is comprised of a detachablecylindrical curling unit 102 and a heating unit 118. As seen in Figure,2, the detachable cylindrical curling unit 102 is comprised of a body104 with a plurality of apertures 106. In an embodiment, the aperturesare circular. Further, in another embodiment, the body 104 is comprisedof metal. In yet another embodiment, the body 104 is ceramic. FIG. 2also illustrates a first closed end 108 and a second end 110 of thedetachable cylindrical curling unit 102. The second end 110 further iscomprised of a second coupling section 112. In an embodiment, the firstclosed and second end are plastic.

The detachable cylindrical curling unit 102 further is comprised of aflexible bristle unit 114 dispersed within the body 104. The flexiblebristle unit 114 includes a plurality of bristles 116, wherein in atleast one bristle 116 protrudes through an aperture of the plurality ofapertures 106. In an embodiment, the pluralities of bristles 116 arecomprised of plastic. In another embodiment, the pluralities of bristles116 are natural fiber. In yet another embodiment, the plurality ofbristles 116 is comprised of at least two different materials, and in anembodiment can be man-made and natural.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the detachable heating curling apparatus 100 inan embodiment. The heating unit 118 is generally comprised of a firstend 120 and a second end 122. The second end 122 for receiving anelectrical source. In an embodiment, the electrical source can be wireor, in another embodiment, the heating unit 118 can be rechargeable,battery operated or the like.

The first end 120 includes a first coupling section 124 for couplingwith the second coupling section 112 of the second end 110 of thedetachable cylindrical curling unit 102. As illustrated herein, thefirst coupling section 124 and the second coupling section 112 interactwith the respective ends with component parts stemming from therespective sections. In different embodiments, these component parts maystem from one section and proceed into the other, or both, or may simplyremain in the respective section.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the heating unit 118includes a detachable unit 126. In this particular embodiment, the firstcoupling section 124 includes a retention mechanism 126A with prongs126B whereas the second coupling section 112 includes a ridge 128. Theretention mechanism 126A can be a spring or any other structure thatprovides the release and application of tension or pressure or otherwisestores mechanical energy. In this embodiment, a user depresses thedetachable unit 126 activating the retention mechanism 126A releasingthe prongs 126B from the ridge 128; in effect, detaching the detachablecylindrical curling unit 102 from the heating unit 118. The detachablecylindrical curling unit 102 can be connected to the heating unit 118 bythe application of pressure by the user to the detachable cylindricalcurling unit 102 to the heating unit 118.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, the first coupling section 124 and the second couplingsection 112 equate to a manual release detachment. More specifically,the first coupling section 124 includes a handle 130. The handle 130 canbe comprised of a variety of materials including plastic, metal and thelike and is generally a plurality. The handle 130 engages with a pin 132located on the second coupling section 112. As with the handle 130, thepin 132 can be comprised of a variety of materials including plastic,metal and the like and is generally a plurality. In this embodiment, thedetachable cylindrical curling unit 102 can be twisted and rotated todetach from the heating unit 118.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate another embodiment of the detachable heatingcurling apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the heating unit 118 includesa detachable unit 134. In this particular embodiment, the first couplingsection 124 includes a spring mechanism 134A with prongs 134B whereasthe second coupling section 112 includes ridge 128. The retentionmechanism 134A can be any other structure that provides the release andapplication of tension or pressure or otherwise stores mechanicalenergy. In this embodiment, a user depresses the detachable unit 134activating the spring mechanism 134A releasing the prongs 134B from theridge 128; in effect, detaching the detachable cylindrical curling unit102 from the heating unit 118. The detaching the detachable cylindricalcurling unit 102 from the heating unit 116 can be re-engaged by theapplication of pressure by the user to the detachable cylindricalcurling unit 102 to the heating unit 118.

FIGS. 10-15 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, the first coupling section 124 and the second couplingsection 112 provide a magnetic attachment and detachment mechanism. Morespecifically, the first coupling section 124 and the second couplingsection 112 include engagement ridges 136 that allow for a connectionbetween the two sections.

Further enhancing that connection, the first coupling section 124includes a magnet 138, in an embodiment, a magnetic ring or the likethat sits within the first coupling section 124. Interacting with themagnet 138 is a metal portion 140, which can be similar in structure tothe magnetic, but is generally comprised of a metal, and can sit withinthe second coupling section 112. Both the magnet 138 and metal portion140 can be placed in a variety of locations including but not limited tobeing positioned inside each respective coupling section allowing forengagement ridges 136 to connect. The magnet 138 and metal portion 140can also be placed outside the engagement ridges 136, peripherallyproviding a magnetic connection between the first and second ends, 110and 120 respectively. The magnet 138 and metal portion 140 can bepress-fit or used with an adhesive to secure its location. In thisembodiment, the user is able to disconnect the detachable cylindricalcurling unit 102 from the heating unit 118 by pulling and/or twisting.

This invention can be used by home and professional hairstylists. Inuse, this invention performs all of the styling functions, includingbrushing, drying, curling and directing the hair, allowing the stylistto go from damp hair to dry and fully styled hair using a single tool.In addition, it is very useful in solving problems related to irregulargrowth patterns, or “cowlicks” on the scalp.

To use this invention, the hair is first washed and towel-dried. Thestylist then attaches a cylindrical drying and curling unit to theheating or base unit and turns on the heating unit, which includes amotor to blow heated air through the drying and curling unit and intothe hair. The stylist takes a small section of hair and, applying slighttension to the hair, uses the tool to blow warm or hot air on the rootsof that section for three to five seconds. After running the drying andcurling unit through the whole section of hair one or more times thestylist wraps the end of the section around the heating and curling unitand twists the tool along its axis to wrap the hair around the dryingand curling unit until it reaches the scalp. The drying and curling unitis then released from the heating unit by using the detachment mechanismand a fastening clip is placed on the hair-wrapped drying and curlingunit to hold it in place on the head with slight upward tension. Thesame process is repeated with an additional drying and curling units foradditional sections of hair until the whole head of hair is set. Theresult at that point resembles a classic hair set using traditionalrollers. The stylist then allows the drying and curling units to coolthoroughly in the hair and then removes them and styles the hair furtherwith the tool, or with a brush or the fingers.

This invention solves the problem of flattened hair roots caused byusing a blow dryer and leaving brushes dangling in the hair. The dryingand curling unit is used much like a round brush but then, while thehair is still hot, is released from the heating or base unit and securedin place on the head using a clip, so that the hair is held with tensionin an upright position and can cool “on base,” creating lift, volume andthe ability to give direction to the hair.

This invention further solves the problem of damp or wet roots caused byusing a brush dryer. The tool first dries and heats the hair at the rootand the curling and drying unit is then left secured in the hair untilthe hair is thoroughly dried and cooled in the proper position.

Because the tool is better able to control the direction of the hair atthe root level it also solves the problem of irregular growth patternsor cowlicks, which arise from the direction of the hair as it leaves thescalp. Especially for the home stylist, it is easier to deal with theseproblems using the tool than by using a blow dryer and brush ortraditional curlers.

This invention also avoids the problems and dangers presented by using acurling iron. The tool moves safely through the hair drying itsufficiently with air rather than applying direct and constant intenseheat to a single part of the hair, which can cause burning, breakage orother irreparable damage, especially at the ends of the hair.

An advantage of the invention is that it decreases the amount of time ittakes to both dry and style the hair than with any other tools on themarket. Instead of using multiple tools (i.e. a hair dryer, and acurling iron and/or hot curlers), the user only needs this invention, sofewer electrical cords to tangle, and less energy being used. As statedherein, it should also be noted that the integrity of the hair ispreserved—instead of the harsh heat of an iron or hot rollers; the hairis healthier, shinier, and more manageable. Finally, as pointed outabove, another advantage is that the results are different—the curls aresofter, and much more like a classic set, than if created with any othertool on the market.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and show in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative and not restrictive of the current invention, andthat this invention is not restricted to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described since modification can occur to thoseordinarily skilled in the art.

What is claimed:
 1. A detachable heating curling apparatus, comprising:a detachable cylindrical curling unit comprising a body with a pluralityof apertures; a first closed end and a second end, the second endincluding a second coupling section; a flexible bristle unit dispersedwithin the body including a plurality of bristles, wherein in at leastone bristle protrudes through an aperture of the plurality of apertures;and a heating unit, the heating unit including a first and second end,the first end including a first coupling section for coupling with thesecond coupling section of the second end of the detachable cylindricalcurling unit, the second end for receiving an electrical source, theheating unit having at a detachable unit, the detachable unit providingan uncoupling of the coupling sections of the first end of the heatingunit and the second end of the detachable cylindrical curling unit,wherein the heating unit blows heated air into and heats the detachablecylindrical curling unit.
 2. The detachable heating curling apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the apertures are circular.
 3. The detachable heatingcurling apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body is comprised of metal. 4.The detachable heating curling apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body isceramic.
 5. The detachable heating curling apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe body is carbon.
 6. The detachable heating curling apparatus of claim1 wherein the at least one first closed and second end are plastic. 7.The detachable heating curling apparatus of claim 1 wherein theplurality of bristles are comprised of plastic
 8. The detachable heatingcurling apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of bristles arecomprised of natural fiber.
 9. The detachable heating curling apparatusof claim 1 wherein the plurality of bristles are comprised of naturalfiber.
 10. The detachable heating curling apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe plurality of bristles are comprised of at least two differentmaterials.
 11. The detachable heating curling apparatus of claim 1wherein the optional electrical source is wired.
 12. The detachableheating curling apparatus of claim 1 wherein the optional electricalsource is a battery.
 13. The detachable heating curling apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the detachable unit is mechanically connected to aretention mechanism with prongs allowing for detachment from a ridge ofthe second coupling section and detaching the detachable cylindricalcurling unit from the heating unit.
 14. The detachable heating curlingapparatus of claim 1 wherein the detachable unit is mechanicallyconnected to a spring mechanism with prongs allowing for detachment froma ridge of the second coupling section and detaching the detachablecylindrical curling unit from the heating unit.
 15. A detachable heatingcurling apparatus, comprising: a detachable cylindrical curling unitcomprising a body with a plurality of apertures; a first closed end anda second end, the second end including a second coupling section; aflexible bristle unit dispersed within the body including a plurality ofbristles, wherein in at least one bristle protrudes through an apertureof the plurality of apertures; and a heating unit, the heating unitincluding a first and second end, the first end including a firstcoupling section for coupling with the second coupling section of thesecond end of the detachable cylindrical curling unit, the second endfor receiving an electrical source, the second and first couplingsections magnetically connected, providing for a manual magneticuncoupling of the coupling sections of the first end of the heating unitand the second end of the detachable cylindrical curling unit, whereinthe heating unit blows heated air into and heats the detachablecylindrical curling unit.
 16. The detachable heating curling apparatusof claim 15 wherein the magnetic connection includes magnets within atleast one second and first coupling section.
 17. The detachable heatingcurling apparatus of claim 16 wherein the magnetic connection includesengagement ridges within each respective second and first couplingsection.
 18. A detachable heating curling apparatus, comprising: adetachable cylindrical curling unit comprising a body with a pluralityof apertures; a first closed end and a second end, the second endincluding a second coupling section; a flexible bristle unit dispersedwithin the body including a plurality of bristles, wherein in at leastone bristle protrudes through an aperture of the plurality of apertures;and a heating unit, the heating unit including a first and second end,the first end including a first coupling section for coupling with thesecond coupling section of the second end of the detachable cylindricalcurling unit, the second end for receiving an electrical source, thesecond and first coupling sections mechanically engaging providing for amanual uncoupling of the coupling sections of the first end of theheating unit and the second end of the detachable cylindrical curlingunit, wherein the heating unit blows heated air into and heats thedetachable cylindrical curling unit.
 19. The detachable heating curlingapparatus of claim 18 wherein the second and first coupling sectionsinclude at least a pin and at least a handle, respectively, the at leasta handle engaging with the at least a pin, providing for a manualuncoupling.